They rolled into Knoxville more than 20,000 strong, and many of them detoured to Sevier County to hit the tourist hot spots. For the third year, Honda motorcycle enthusiasts held their annual assembly in Knoxville from June 17-21. The event, which began 10 years ago in Asheville, N.C., is known as Honda Hoot.
Most of the festivities, such as the 200-booth vendor expo and a “Saturday Night on the Town Street Party,” were held in and around downtown Knoxville. Plenty of riders, however, enjoyed visiting our area both on their own and as part of official Hoot events.
Activities coordinated by Hoot planners included shows at the Dixie Stampede and Louise Mandrell Theater. In addition to discounted group rates, Hoot participants received extra attention. At the Louise Mandrell Theater, for instance, special security was provided for the motorcycle parking area. And Louise Mandrell was slated to recognize Hoot visitors during her show. Said general manager Sande Weiss, “Last year was our first year to host Honda Hoot riders at the Louise Mandrell Theater. They had so much fun they decided to return again this year. Louise loves the enthusiasm they show her during her performance, and as usual, she will be recognizing them at the show.”
Other organized events included rafting on the Little Pigeon River and Saturday’s “Best Dam Ride and Fish Fry.” Sponsored by Motorcycle Cruiser Magazine, the ride took place along Douglas Dam. According to the Honda Hoot web site, the event was a sellout.
Though many of the 20,000 visited Sevier County, most stayed in Knoxville motels. Gatlinburg’s Park Vista Resort Hotel is the only Sevier County property featured on the group’s web site, an important planning source for convention attendees. “Last year we had a few rooms blocked off, and this year it’s about the same,” said senior sales manager Brenda Ward. It’s a “small but loyal group” that stays in Gatlinburg, she continued.
Ultimately, what most interests the cyclists about our area requires no tickets or reservations. They’ve spent time in Knoxville looking at vendors’ wares and other people’s bikes. When they get here, they just want to ride: through the mountains, around Cades Cove, past deer and black bears. And ride they did.

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